MODULE 4 DEFINITIONS Flashcards
general formula
the simplest algebraic
formula of a member of a homologous
series
structural formula
the minimal detail
that shows the arrangement of atoms in a
molecule e.g. CH3CH2CH2CH3 (butane)
displayed formula
the relative positioning
of atoms and the bonds between them
skeletal formula
the simplified organic
formula, shown by removing hydrogen
atoms from alkyl chains, leaving just a
carbon skeleton and associated functional
groups
homologuous series
a series of organic
compounds having the same functional
group but with each successive member
differing by CH2
functional group
a group of atoms
responsible for the characteristic reactions
of a compound
Alkyl group (general formula)
CnH2n+1
aliphatic
a compound containing carbon
and hydrogen joined together in straight
chains, branched chains or non-aromatic
rings
alicyclic
an aliphatic compound arranged
in non-aromatic rings with or without side
chains
aromatic
a compound containing a
benzene ring
saturated
a compound containing single carrbon-carbon bonds only
unsaturated
a compoud containing the presence of
multiple carbon–carbon bonds, including
C=C, CtripleC and aromatic rings
structural isomers
compounds with the same molecular
formula but different structural formulae
homolytic fission
each bonding
atom receiving one electron from the
bonded pair, forming two radicals
heterolytic fission
one bonding
atom receiving both electrons from the
bonded pair
radical
a species with an unpaired
electron
stereoisomers
compounds with the
same structural formula but with a
different arrangement in space
E/Z isomerism
restricted
rotation about a double bond and the
requirement for two different groups to
be attached to each carbon atom of the
C=C group
cis-trans isomerism
a special case
of E/Z isomerism in which two of the
substituent groups attached to each
carbon atom of the C=C group are the
same
electrophile
electron pair acceptor
nucleophile
electron pair donor
